ABOUT
CAPTAIN PIERCE
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Captain Pierce spent much of his youth on Sanibel Island, where early exposure to the coastal waters sparked a lifelong passion for saltwater fishing. Having fished the Caloosahatchee River and Pine Island Sound extensively from a young age, he developed a comprehensive understanding of the area’s tidal systems, seasonal patterns, and fish behavior well before beginning his professional guiding career.
A professional fishing guide since 2019, Pierce is known for his meticulous preparation, strong local knowledge, and commitment to excellence on the water. Whether guiding anglers for trout in Idaho or leading sight-fishing trips for snook and redfish on the Florida flats, his focus remains on delivering a consistently high-quality and authentic fishing experience.
Captain Pierce’s Inshore Charters welcomes anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced fishermen. Every trip is conducted with a strong emphasis on safety, conservation, and providing memorable, rewarding days on the water while learning new skills.
Pierce has a strong passion for building relationships and sharing his knowledge with anyone that stands alongside of him in a river or in the salt. In his free time, you’ll find Pierce tying flies, catching the latest movies, or scouting new spots with his adored fishing partner, Dinah.
“ERNIE BIRD”
This sporty 17’ Ranger Ghost is your ride for exploring the magic of the Southwest Florida mangrove backcountry with Captain Pierce.
Growing up, Pierce spent summers, holidays, and every off-chance possible fishing the Pine Island Sound of Fort Myers, FL and the shores of Sanibel Island. His father routinely took him and his siblings to a local marina in Punta Rassa, FL for gas and snacks, appropriately naming it “The Goodie Dock”. This dock would later become a small but significant piece of Pierce’s childhood- the home of “Ernie Bird” the local Egret. Never once would Pierce leave that dock without making sure Ernie Bird had his fill of shrimp.
Ever since, no egret flies past Pierce without being called an Ernie Bird. Near and dear to Captain P’s heart, it only felt right to name his fish-finding vessel accordingly. Ernie Bird has “migrated” all across southwest Florida, poling into back channels and flats within the Pine Island sound, Matlacha, Estero Bay and Tampa Bay.